The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is planning to release a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data" under the identifier NOT-DA-24-046. This initiative, expected to use the R01 grant mechanism, aims to support research projects that leverage existing datasets to advance substance use research without requiring new data collection or clinical trials. This NOFO is scheduled for publication on December 1, 2024, with applications due by June 17, 2025. Funded projects are anticipated to start by April 1, 2026, with the goal of accelerating substance use research through the efficient reuse of valuable data resources.
With an estimated total program funding of $2 million, NIDA anticipates awarding up to three grants. The R01 mechanism allows for comprehensive research projects, making it suitable for studies that require a larger scale of analysis and application of existing data. This FOA encourages innovative analyses, aimed at providing fresh insights into substance use disorders, potentially focusing on epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, and policy impacts. This approach is expected to make optimal use of existing data while reducing the costs and time constraints associated with new data collection.
Eligible applicants encompass a broad spectrum of entities, including public and private higher education institutions, Native American tribal governments and organizations, state and county governments, public housing authorities, independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and both small and larger for-profit organizations. This wide eligibility is designed to encourage diverse participation from institutions with the capacity to handle data-intensive research.
NIDA’s focus on data reuse underscores its commitment to accelerating the pace of substance use research in a cost-effective manner. By supporting projects that make use of previously collected data, the FOA aligns with broader NIH goals of advancing research efficiently. Potential applicants are advised to identify existing datasets that align with their research goals and to begin forming interdisciplinary collaborations to maximize project impact.
Interested parties should look for the official FOA announcement in December 2024 for detailed requirements. Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed research will contribute to understanding and addressing substance use issues through data-driven insights and propose methodologies that emphasize innovative, data-focused approaches.
